Hello City of Eau Claire employees, residents, and Council Members –

Here are some updates from around Eau Claire. Note that prior updates can be found here, and you can use these linked forms to send feedback to the City Manager’s Office or City Council.

City Manager Stephanie Hirsch

CITY UPDATES

Snow and Ice FAQs: We saw a few flakes last weekend, so it’s a good time to share some reminders about how the City works to keep our streets and sidewalks safe and passable all winter.

At first thought, it may seem straightforward… Snow falls, and plows travel the City clearing the way. But winter maintenance of our 358.8 miles of streets is a complex process. We have prepared an updated list of snow-related questions and answers, which you can find here: EauClaireWI.gov/SIControl

Please note that residents can ask additional questions, report roads that require extra attention, or flag sidewalks that need to be shoveled using a service request form that you can find here: EauClaireWI.gov/ServiceRequest.

Here are a few questions that are answered in the Q&A:

• How long will it take to get my street plowed?

• How, where, and when do you use salt?

• How can residents report streets that need extra attention or sidewalks that have not been shoveled?

• What should residents do to help?

• Do alleys and trails get plowed?

Pictured below is a City vehicle crossing a snowy bridge at the end of last winter.

COUNCIL UPDATES

The Council met this past week. Two notable points from the meetings are as follows:

Budget Passes: On Monday, the Council heard comments from the public about the Local Vehicle Registration Fee and FY26 budget. Then on Tuesday, the Council deliberated and adopted the budget. You can find more detailed information on the budget here:

• Budget: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/budget/process-current-documents

• LVRF: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/budget/lvrf

In next week's newsletter, I'll share some analysis we have been working on regarding the City's historical spending and revenue. We will also share what's next as we look into the future. We will need to continue to make hard decisions about balancing revenue collection and service reductions, and we will need everyone's ideas and input.

Visit Eau Claire Agreement: The Council approved an agreement between the City and Visit Eau Claire to govern our work together over the next three years. It was a significant accomplishment, and we believe it lays the groundwork for continued progress on marketing the region.

VEC Executive Director Kenzi Havlicek shared these comments at the meeting: “Over the past year, we have had many thoughtful, forward-thinking conversations about how to strengthen Eau Claire’s future, and it has been inspiring to see the level of collaboration and care that has gone into this process.

This agreement represents an important step forward -- one that strengthens transparency, communication, and alignment between our organizations. Most importantly, it sets the stage for us to keep building on Eau Claire’s incredible momentum as both a destination and a community we are proud to call home.

We are also looking forward to developing the Destination Master Plan together -- a chance to bring in community voices, dream big, and create a blueprint that enhances Eau Claire’s economic vitality, cultural vibrancy, and overall quality of life.”

An image from the Visit Eau Claire website is below. 

Arrests in Regional Theft Ring: The Eau Claire Police Department shared this update:

“On Thursday, November 6th, ECPD Officers responded to the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire for a report of a retail theft. Loss prevention staff at Scheels All Sports reported that a suspect from a theft that occurred on November 1st had returned to the store. In that incident, the suspect took a fish finder valued at $3,500. The suspect was observed with two other people. As officers gathered information, a second call came in of a theft that had occurred at Ulta Beauty. The description of the parties involved matched the suspects from Scheels. Ultimately the three people were contacted and identified as Kenneth Machen, 21, Roberta Howard, 19, and Leslie Robinson, 64, all of Minneapolis, MN. Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that the group was responsible for thefts throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota at various retail stores.

Using a theft tracking database, loss prevention staff were able to link the group to thefts in other locations. In total, it is believed the group was associated with over $150,000 in documented thefts across multiple jurisdictions. Charging decisions are pending. Thank you to the community partners that helped us to catch this group.”

Follow-Up Chancellor Search Survey: Jake Wrasse from UWEC shared that there’s another chance to chime in about qualities sought for the new Chancellor. He shared: “The search and screen committee is very interested in receiving feedback about the qualities and experiences desired in the next UW-Eau Claire Chancellor, and you are encouraged to provide your feedback. This Qualtrics survey will remain open until Sunday night November 16th at 11:59PM." More information on the search can be found on this website.

SHOUT OUTS:

Thank You to Custodians: Our Neighborhood Services Manager Janiece Ruhling provided a shout out to our custodians: “We have received many calls over the course of the last few weeks from a concerned constituent regarding the Graham Riverside Parking Ramp. Last week, he called and wanted to thank the staff who cleaned the Parking Ramp. He said this has been wonderful, and the power washing made a significant difference. I wanted to personally thank you and your staff for making this happen! I saw the condition of that ramp a few days prior and can fully appreciate the undertaking this was.”

Thank You to Our Veterans: Each year, we pause to honor and thank all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice help protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. We are especially proud to recognize the 60 city employees who have served our country. A total of 20 veterans now work for the Police Department (the ECPD recently shared appreciation) and 13 work for the Fire Department. The remainder work in all of our other departments and divisions. We are deeply grateful for your contributions, both to our nation and to our organization every day. We are glad that you chose to share your continued commitment, service, and talents with our community.

Pictured below are a few of our senior leaders during their time in the military: Deputy Police Chief Derek Thomas, Deputy Fire Chief Bob Haller, and Community Development Director Aaron White. They all served as Marines!

Thank You to the Grill Masters: Community Development Director Aaron White was recently interviewed by Volume One asking about his favorite cheeseburger. (See: HIGH FIVE: Eau Claire's Top Five Cheeseburgers (According to...) Believe it or not, he listed this below as his “honorable mention”, right up there with Amber Inn, the District, and Court N’ House!

“Honorable Mention: ‘The Bergs’: A special honorable mention goes to Dave Solberg (City of Eau Claire Deputy City Manager) and Lane Berg (City of Eau Claire Community Services Director). These guys lead the grill team for our annual employee picnics, and they do a fantastic job!”

 The "Berg" grillers and their fans are pictured below. 

In Keeping with Their Mission: I recently heard two quotes from employees that captured the spirit of their two departments and how they are in service to our community in different ways.

Fire Memorial Ceremony: The Fire Department recently held their annual Firefighter Memorial Ceremony, at which Departmental staff and guests honored the firefighters who have died in the line of duty, as well as retirees of the City of Eau Claire’s Fire Department who have recently passed. (You can view the individuals nationwide who lost their lives in 2024 here: 2025 Roll of Honor - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)

Just before the ceremony, there were multiple calls that pulled our on-duty staff out into the field, including the recent fire at UWEC. As the ceremony started, Honor Guard Commander David Pekol said, “We may not have all of our staff, however, that's the nature of the fire service -- adapt and adjust.” The ceremony is pictured here, as covered by WQOW: ECFD honors fallen firefighters from across the U.S. | Eye On Eau Claire | wqow.com

Library Salt-Water Taffy: And, at the Library’s recent Card Crawl event, I stopped to talk to Isa Small, the Library's Programming and Communications Manager. Isa was facilitating an activity in which participants had to guess what flavor of taffy they were tasting. I asked if I could just take one without participating in the activity and with “no strings attached." Isa said: “Of course! That’s exactly what the Library is about… giving things out with no strings attached.”

Thank You for Showing Halloween Spirit: We appreciate all the staff who helped to spread the Halloween spirit, and we are glad that it was a safe night.

• Our Fire Departments at Stations 2, 5, and 6 hosted trick-or-treators;

• Officer Ben Hundt participated in Coldwell's Trunk or Treat event on Friday (pictured below); and

• Other employees competed in a costume contest. Pictured below a few examples: Price is Right (City Attorney's Office), Puns (PD Communications Center, Night Shift B), Where's Aaron (Community Development), Witches of Housing (Housing Authority), Shark Week (HR and Finance), and It's a Mario! (Library)

Thank You for Pawtrol: Thank You to Officer Freitag for being game to host another Pawtrol and for taking Rubble out (pictured below). Rubble is a two-year-old male, and he LOVES to give hugs. He's up for adoption at the Eau Claire Community Humane Association - ECCHA. Meet Rubble through this video: Pawtrol Video - Rubble

WAYS TO SERVE: 

Employment Openings: Take a look at our open positions here: Job Openings | Sorted by Posting Date descending | JOB OPENINGS (governmentjobs.com)

Transit Supervisor (Transit) Do you have great communication skills, supervisory experience, and an interest in public transit? The City of Eau Claire is now accepting applications for a Transit Supervisor! In this role, you’ll support our Bus Operators and help ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for our community. Deadline to apply: Sunday, November 16th at 11:59PM.

Boards, Commissions, and Committees: We have several openings on the volunteer Boards, Commissions, and Committees that are listed below. Learn more about these roles and apply here: Boards, Commissions & Committees | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Zoning Board of Appeals: The work of the Board is to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Administrator. An understanding of zoning and land use is helpful but not required.

Landmark Commission: The Landmark Commission designates landmarks and regulates construction, reconstruction, and exterior alteration to landmarks, landmark sites, and structures within historic districts. The City of Eau Claire's Landmarks commission is currently in need of two resident volunteers (one should have a realty background, and one requires no special skills.)

Other Volunteer Roles

Clearwater Parade: We are calling all volunteers to help make the Clearwater Winter Parade shine! Join in the fun and help bring this festive event to life. For more information, visit Clearwater Winter Events | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin The parade will be held on Friday, December 5th on Grand Avenue, at 6:30PM, and it gets kicked off with fireworks over the Grand Avenue bridge.

CLOSURES/DETOURS, OPENINGS, DEADLINES, ALERTS, & REMINDERS:

Eddy Street Bridge Open (with Weight Restrictions): Eddy Street Bridge is now open with a 15-ton weight limit. (Most personal-use vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks, weigh less than 15 tons.)

Eddy Lane Update: Our Engineering Department provided an update on Eddy Lane: "The first layer of asphalt was placed this week and paving of the surface was scheduled for Friday, November 14th. Painting of pavement markings will follow during the week of November 17th. Placement of black dirt in the boulevards and lawns and grading and restoration was also scheduled to be completed as of Friday, November 14th. Sod installation is weather dependent so pending the ground temperatures, this potentially may be delayed until spring 2026." Questions can be directed to Engineering at engineering@eauclairewi.gov or 715-839-4934.

Green Waste Facility: The Green Waste Facility located at 5710 Jeffers Road will close for the season at 3PM on Saturday, November 22nd. This date is subject to change if weather conditions warrant. For further details, please visit www.eauclairewi.gov/brush.

Odd/Even Parking Restrictions: The City is enforcing winter odd/even parking restrictions. Alternate Side Parking rules are in effect even if there is no snow. If you're new to Eau Claire or just need a refresher, visit EauClaireWI.gov/AlternateSideParking for more information. Alternate Side Parking rules do not replace more restrictive parking regulations, such as any street posted with No Parking signs.

FoodShare Updates: The news about the status of FoodShare has been evolving. FoodShare members can check their FoodShare balance by calling QUEST Card Services at 877-415-5164. Further updates can be found here: FoodShare: News for Members | Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Residents may access food or contribute to help others at these locations: the Community Table and Feed my People Food Bank.  

Street Updates: Take a look at an updated Street Closure Report.

Closures/Work Underway:

• South Dewey Street (Emery to Lake)

• Eddy Lane (Wellington Drive East to Venus Avenue)

• Emery Street (South Farwell to South Dewey)

• Mars Avenue (Eddy Lane to Virginia Lane)

Upcoming Construction and Closure

• Festival Foods Turkey Trot, Thursday, November 27th, 7 to 10AM (sections of Graham Avenue, Eau Claire Street, Riverfront Terrace, Madison Street, Oxford Avenue, First Avenue, and Lake Street). More information available online at the 2025 Festival Foods Turkey Trot.

WAYS TO GET IN TOUCH: We encourage you to use these different ways to follow City news and reach out to us.

• Follow our social media accounts. Those accounts include: Police, K9 Murphy, Fire, Transit, Parks/Recreation, Fairfax Pool, Hobbs Ice Arena, Economic Development, and the General City account. Some of the accounts allow constituents to send direct messages, which staff will respond to.

• Use web forms. Submit a question or comment via our web forms: Service Request | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin We will reply, and I will continue to share the FAQs we hear in the weekly newsletter.

• Contact City Council. Council Members welcome contacts, and you can reach them here: City Council

• Sign up for City notices. The City sends out notices on many different topics, and you can elect to receive any of them here: Sign Up for eNotifications | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Attend Council Meetings. Individuals can stream or attend City Council meetings, and each Monday evening session has a period of public comment. Meetings can be found here: Meetings | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Attend (or apply to be part of) a Board, Commission, or Committee: Individuals can also attend the meetings of our different volunteer committees. Those also have a public comment period. Residents can learn more here: Boards, Commissions & Committees | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Invite us to a meeting. We are also always happy to send staff and Council Members to other meetings residents or stakeholders would like to hold. We can attend book clubs, lectures, classes, church assemblies, etc. We will come to you -- just let us know where and when.

• Join (or form) a Neighborhood Association. Neighborhood Associations are the building blocks of community ties and community change. Visit this site to learn more about how to join or create a Neighborhood Association: Neighborhood Associations | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Try the ECPD app. Download the app to find the Report a Crime form, track career opportunities, and get instant alerts: https://www.joinecpd.org/ecpdapp

• Volunteer. Get involved in the nuts and bolts of City Operations by volunteering to staff the winter parade, to help maintain a park, or more. Learn more here: Volunteer Opportunities | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Contact the ADA Coordinator. Have a question about accessibility? Contact the ADA Coordinator here: ADACoordinator@EauClaireWI.gov, or learn more here: ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act Information

• Contact Us. Find more ways to reach us via this page: Contact Us - Service Directory | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

COUNCIL CALENDAR (Tentative – Please see: City Calendar | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov) for most complete and up-to-date list of public meetings)

• Monday, November 24th, Public Hearing, Council Chambers, 6PM

• Tuesday, November 25th, Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 4PM

• Monday, December 8th, Public Hearing, Council Chambers, 6PM

• Tuesday, December 9th, Council Meeting, Council Chambers 4PM

• December 22nd and 23rd Meetings Cancelled